Wrap-around storage box for the top of a ladder

ABSTRACT

A wrap-around storage system for use on top of a ladder provides storage for items without the risk of them falling off the top of the ladder. The wrap around storage box includes an open rectangular region adapted to accept the top of the ladder and a storage box, or kraytel, attached along one edge of the open rectangular region. A side opposite the storage box can be angled inward at an angle from about 78 to about 82 degrees, typically about 80 degrees, to securely wrap the storage system to the top of multiple brands of ladders. The storage box is larger and deeper than typical top platform integrated storage areas on ladders, thereby preventing items from rolling or falling out of the storage box.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61/579,580, filed Dec. 22, 2011, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ladder accessories and, more particularly, to a wrap-around storage box for the top of a ladder.

An individual climbing a ladder does not have a safe and convenient place to put their small or sharp objects, besides a pocket formed on the top of the ladder. However, these pockets, when even present on the ladder, are often small and allow objects to easily roll out of the pocket.

Other devices for storing items on a ladder do not wrap and set securely around the top of the ladder, nor do they offer much space, strength or durability. Many of these devices are designed to fit one type or brand of ladder and may not be universal.

As can be seen, there is a need for a storage box that can wrap around and fit on top of a ladder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a wrap-around ladder storage system comprises a front wall attached to ends of side walls extending therefrom; a middle wall separated by a first distance from the front wall, the distance defining a ladder slot for inserting a top step of a ladder therein; an end wall, separated by a second distance from the middle wall; and a base disposed between the side walls, the middle wall, and the end wall, the base forming a tool compartment, wherein the front wall is disposed at an angle relative to a plane defined by a bottom edge of the side walls; and the angle is from about 78 to about 82 degrees, typically about 80 degrees.

In another aspect of the present invention, a wrap-around ladder storage system comprises a front wall, having a length from about 13.5 to about 14 inches, attached to ends of side walls extending from about 9 to about 10 inches therefrom; a middle wall separated by a first distance from about 6 to about 7 inches from the front wall, the distance defining a ladder slot for inserting a top step of a ladder therein; an end wall, separated by a second distance from about 2.5 to about 3 inches from the middle wall; and a base disposed between the side walls, the middle wall, and the end wall, the base forming a tool compartment, wherein the front wall is disposed at an angle relative to a plane defined by a bottom edge of the side walls; and the angle is from about 78 to about 82 degrees, typically about 80 degrees.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage box, in use on a ladder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the storage box and ladder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the storage box and ladder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the storage box of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, illustrating the storage box in place on top of a ladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a wrap-around storage system for use on top of a ladder that provides storage for items without the risk of them falling off the top of the ladder. The wrap around storage box includes an open rectangular region adapted to accept the top of the ladder and a storage box, or kraytel, attached along one edge of the open rectangular region. A side opposite the storage box can be angled inward at an angle from about 78 to about 82 degrees, typically about 80 degrees, to securely wrap the storage system to the top of multiple brands of ladders. The storage box is larger and deeper than typical top platform integrated storage areas on ladders, thereby preventing items from rolling or falling out of the storage box.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, a wrap-around storage system 12 can be formed from a front wall 16, a middle wall 20 and an end wall 22. Side walls 24 can be disposed at the ends of the front wall 16, middle wall 20 and the end wall 22. Between the first wall 16 and the middle wall 20, a ladder slot 14 can be formed, where the ladder slot 14 fits over a top step of a ladder 10, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.

A base member 26 can be disposed on the bottom of the wrap-around storage system 12 between the middle wall 20 and the end wall 22 to form a tool compartment 18. The tool compartment 18 can be used to hold small tools, nails, screws, or the like. Because the tool compartment 18 is surrounded by walls (the middle wall 20, the end wall 22 and the side walls 24), these items are retained in the tool compartment 18 and there is no risk of the items rolling off the ladder and possibly injuring someone below.

The front wall 16 can be disposed at an angle “A” (see FIG. 6) relative to a plane defined by the bottom edge of the side walls 24. This angle can be from about 78 to about 82 degrees, typically 80 degrees. This angle can help ensure that the wrap-around storage system 12 stays in the desired position on top of the ladder 10. This angled front wall 16 allows the wrap-around storage system 12 to fit on various brands of ladders.

The wrap-around storage system 12 is disposed on the ladder 10 such that the angled front wall 16 is disposed at the front of the ladder, adjacent the steps (see FIG. 1). With the wrap-around storage system 12 in place, the user is free to climb the ladder without the hassle of objects in their hands or in their pockets.

The wrap-around storage system 12 of the present invention can be made in various sizes and of various materials, provided that the ladder slot 14 fits over the top step of the ladder 10. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front wall 16, the middle wall 20 and the end wall 22 can be made from about 13.5 to about 14 inches long, typically from about 13.62 inches long. The distance between the middle wall 20 and the end wall 22 can be from about 2.5 to about 3 inches. The distance between the angled front wall 16 and the middle wall 20 can be from about 6 to about 7 inches long, typically from about 6.06 to about 6.56 inches long. Each of the front wall 16, the middle wall 20 and the end wall 22 can be parallel to each other. The side walls 24 can be made from about 9 to about 10 inches long, typically from about 9.06 to about 9.56 inches long.

The wrap-around storage system 12 can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, composite or the like. In some embodiments, the wrap-around storage system 12 can be made from a durable molded plastic.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wrap-around ladder storage system comprising: a front wall attached to ends of side walls extending therefrom; a middle wall separated by a first distance from the front wall, the distance defining a ladder slot for inserting a top step of a ladder therein; an end wall, separated by a second distance from the middle wall; and a base disposed between the side walls, the middle wall, and the end wall, the base forming a tool compartment, wherein the front wall is disposed at an angle relative to a plane defined by a bottom edge of the side walls; and the angle is from about 78 to about 82 degrees.
 2. The wrap-around storage system of claim 1, wherein the angle is 80 degrees.
 3. The wrap-around storage system of claim 1, wherein the first distance is from about 6 to about 7 inches.
 4. The wrap-around storage system of claim 1, wherein the second distance is from about 2.5 to about 3 inches.
 5. The wrap-around storage system of claim 1, wherein the front wall, the middle wall and the end wall have a length from about 13.5 to about 14 inches.
 6. The wrap-around storage system of claim 1, wherein the side walls have a length from about 9 to about 10 inches.
 7. A wrap-around ladder storage system comprising: a front wall, having a length from about 13.5 to about 14 inches, attached to ends of side walls extending from about 9 to about 10 inches therefrom; a middle wall separated by a first distance from about 6 to about 7 inches from the front wall, the distance defining a ladder slot for inserting a top step of a ladder therein; an end wall, separated by a second distance from about 2.5 to about 3 inches from the middle wall; and a base disposed between the side walls, the middle wall, and the end wall, the base forming a tool compartment, wherein the front wall is disposed at an angle relative to a plane defined by a bottom edge of the side walls; and the angle is from about 78 to about 82 degrees.
 8. The wrap-around storage system of claim 7, wherein the angle is 80 degrees. 